...and broadcaster Joe is latest victim of crime as home is hit

WELL-known broadcaster Joe O'Shea is the latest victim of the burglary epidemic that is plaguing the capital.

The Herald can reveal that the journalist's home in the south inner city was ransacked by burglars and a "number of items" were stolen late on Tuesday night.

Mr O'Shea was not at home when the incident happened, but it is understood that when he arrived at the property he noticed a knife which the criminals left behind at his home.

A garda investigation is underway and sources say that officers are examining if the thieves are linked to a spate of other burglaries in the Kilmainham area of the capital.

"A full forensic examination of the crime scene has taken place and gardai are hopeful that the culprits will be caught.

"A major line of enquiry is whether the burglars were also involved in other similar crimes in that area over the past few weeks," said a source.

When contacted by the Herald, Mr O'Shea did not want to comment.

He is the latest high profile person whose home has been targeted.

Earlier this month Downton Abbey and Titanic star Maria Doyle Kennedy appealed to the public to find her family car which was stolen by thieves who used a fishing rod to get her keys at her home in Harold's Cross.

There have been at least 11 burglaries in the Carrickmines Wood estate in Foxrock in the past two months.

Other estates in south Dublin that have suffering multiple burglaries include the Clonard and Wesley estates in nearby Dundrum.